Principalphotography begins today on the feature film adaptation of WilliamShakespeare's As You Like It, directed by Kenneth Branagh.

As You Like It, which isBranagh's fifth Shakespearean screen adaptation, features a cast that includesKevin Kline, Bryce Dallas Howard, Adrian Lester, David Oyelowo, Alfred Molina,Janet McTeer and Romola Garai.

With a setting inspired by 19th CenturyJapan, As You Like It will shoot on location near London and at Shepperton Film Studios.

As You Like It is aromantic adventure in which Rosalind and Orlando's courtship is played outagainst a backdrop of political rivalry, banishment and exile in the Forest ofArden.

Branaghcommented: "I visited Kyoto, Japan for the first time fifteenyears ago and felt the sublime landscape and fascinating culture could be aninspired setting for this quintessential romantic comedy. With sumo,martial arts and cherry blossom we hope that the drama and the joy can combineto produce a wonderfully enjoyable film."

As YouLike It is a productionof The Shakespeare Film Company, financed by HBO Films. It is produced byBranagh, Judy Hofflund and Simon Moseley. Also on board are composer PatrickDoyle and production designer Tim Harvey, director of photography Roger Lanser,editor Neil Farrell, costume designer Susannah Buxton and make-up designerJenny Shircore

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